Google Pixel Buds 2a Review: Budget Earbuds Done Right

Google’s Pixel Buds 2a are the kind of earbuds that make you wonder why you’d spend twice as much on premium versions. At €129, they’re a solid hundred quid cheaper than the Pixel Buds Pro 2, but they deliver nearly everything that matters in daily use.

Functionality: Smart Features Without the Premium Price

The functionality here is surprisingly comprehensive for budget earbuds. You’re getting decent active noise cancelling, which is genuinely effective against low frequency rumble like air conditioning, traffic noise, and the drone of public transport. However, the noise cancelling could be better. It struggles with higher pitched sounds and wind. At this price point, maybe that’s acceptable, but if you’re primarily looking for top tier noise cancelling, it’s worth spending a bit more on something like the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

Google Assistant integration is built right in, and if you’ve got a Android phone, you’ll get Gemini access too. Pair these with a Pixel Watch and you’ve got brilliant access to smart assistants whenever you need them. The Audio Switch feature lets you hop between devices seamlessly, and Bluetooth Multipoint means you can stay connected to your phone and laptop simultaneously.

Touch controls are a mixed bag. They’re responsive enough for play/pause and track skipping most of the time, but they can be unreliable. I had some missed taps, or taps being mistaken for holds, which can get frustrating in daily use. There’s no onboard volume control either, which feels like a missed opportunity.

Battery life is genuinely impressive though: 7 hours with ANC on, stretching to 8 hours without it, plus another 20 hours tucked away in the charging case. That’s proper all day performance that competes with earbuds costing twice as much.

Sound Quality: Punching Above Their Weight

The 11mm dynamic driver delivers a surprisingly balanced sound signature. Bass has proper depth without overpowering everything else, mids are clear and detailed, and there’s enough sparkle in the treble to keep things interesting. Whether you’re listening to guitar heavy rock or synth forward dance music, they’re engaging enough that you won’t feel like you’re missing out.

Google’s baked in its spatial audio tech too, which adds a bit of dimension to supported content. It’s not a game changer, but it’s nice to have at this price point. If you find vocals sound a bit muddy on podcasts, the equaliser settings in the app can help. The vocal boost preset makes a real difference.

Ultimately, sound quality is one key area I struggled to criticise these buds.

Design: Familiar But With Character

Design wise, these are essentially identical to the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Google’s kept the same rounded, pebble like shape with a twist to adjust stabiliser that sits in the concha of your ear. They’re IP54 rated, so they’ll handle sweat and splashes without complaint. The case is compact enough to slip into a pocket, though it’s nothing revolutionary.

You’re getting colour options including Iris (a lovely purple), Porcelain (white), Bay (light blue), and Charcoal (black). The purple is particularly nice if you fancy something a bit different from the usual black or white.

The Fit Issue: A Proper Watch Out

Here’s where things get complicated, and it’s worth paying attention. The fit is based on an insert and twist mechanism. You’re supposed to gently insert both earbuds, then slightly rotate them until the stabiliser locks comfortably in place. The idea is you can twist them loosely for comfortable all day wear at your desk, or twist them tighter for a more secure fit when you’re being active.

In practice though, the security in your ear isn’t amazing for everyone. Some people have reported online that the buds get loose during use, while others have no issues whatsoever. The problem is that the stabiliser fit depends heavily on your ear shape. If you don’t have the right ridge in your ear for the stabiliser to tuck under, they can feel like they’re going to fall out. When you twist them tighter for a more secure fit, that extra pressure on your ear gets uncomfortable after an hour or so.

Finding the right ear tip size is crucial too. If the tip is too big or small, it won’t feel secure. You get four sizes in the box (including an extra small), so there’s a decent chance of finding one that works. But between the stabiliser fit and the ear tip seal, some people will have fit issues with these. Others will find them brilliant. Overall they’re ok, but this is a genuine watch out. Make sure you can return them if they don’t work for your ears.

What’s Missing

There’s no wireless charging, which is disappointing. It’s clearly an effort to reduce the cost, and you get that, but it would’ve been nice to have. You’re stuck with USB C, though at least charging is quick enough.

The ANC limitations are worth restating. If noise cancelling is your primary concern, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer better overall performance, though you’ll pay more for them. If impeccable ANC is the goal you’ll want to look at over ear anyway.

Coolness Factor: Understated Smart

These aren’t the kind of earbuds that scream “look at me”. They’re understated and functional rather than fashion forward. But there’s a certain appeal to that restraint. They look grown up and professional.

The integration with the Google ecosystem is where they shine for Pixel users. Features like Find My Device, real time translation through conversation mode, and fast pairing make them feel genuinely smart. Pair them with a Pixel Watch and Gemini, and you’ve got seamless access to smart assistants throughout your day. That’s the kind of coolness that matters in actual use rather than just looking good.

Value for Money: Hard to Beat

This is where the Pixel Buds 2a absolutely nail it. At €129, you’re getting active noise cancelling, solid battery life, proper sound quality, multipoint connectivity, and the full Google Assistant experience. That’s a feature set that would’ve cost €200 plus just a couple of years ago.

For the price, it’s very hard to go wrong with these. One reviewer even ditched their Pixel Buds Pro 2 and didn’t miss them, which says everything about the value proposition. You’re sacrificing wireless charging, slightly better ANC, and premium materials, but in everyday use, those differences are minimal.

They’re easily among the best budget wireless earbuds for Android users right now. Google’s basically distilled everything essential about the Pixel Buds experience into a more affordable package.

The Verdict

Google’s nailed most of the brief with the Pixel Buds 2a. They’ve worked out what actually matters in daily use: good sound, decent ANC, reliable battery life. And they’ve delivered all of it at a price that makes the premium models look overpriced.

The fit issue is the one proper concern. The insert and twist stabiliser works brilliantly for some people and frustratingly for others, so make sure you can return them if they don’t work for your ears. The touch controls can be a bit unreliable too, which gets annoying. And if you’re primarily after the best noise cancelling available, consider spending a bit more on the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

But for Pixel phone owners especially, particularly if you’ve got a Pixel Watch and want seamless Gemini integration, these are tough to beat. The purple colour is lovely if you want something a bit different. Unless you absolutely need wireless charging or know you have tricky ears for earbuds, the Pixel Buds 2a deliver brilliant value for money.